Learning to dive in Egypt: where, how long and what it costs
Egypt is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive: warm water all year (about 21–29 °C), clear visibility and real coral reefs close to shore. An Open Water course takes about 3–4 days, and Dahab is the easiest place to learn because almost every training dive is a calm shore entry instead of a boat dive.
The short answer
Learn in Dahab if you want gentle shore entries, small sheltered bays and a relaxed town. Learn in Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh if you are already staying in a large resort and are happy to train from a day boat. Marsa Alam is better saved for after you are certified.
Whichever resort you choose, the course is the same: theory, skills in shallow water and four open water dives, leading to a PADI or SSI Open Water Diver card that lets you dive with a buddy to 18 m anywhere in the world.
Dahab, Sharm, Hurghada or Marsa Alam for beginners
Dahab: training dives are shore dives. You walk in from the beach at Lighthouse or Eel Garden, the reef starts a few metres out, and there is usually little current. If the wind picks up, sheltered sites nearby keep the course on track.
Sharm el Sheikh: famous for boat diving in Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected area since 1983, and the Straits of Tiran. There are easy reefs for training, but some signature sites have strong currents.
Hurghada: a big resort with many sheltered training reefs and boats every day. Marsa Alam: quieter and more remote, with offshore reefs that suit experienced divers.
Dahab vs Sharm, Hurghada and Marsa Alam →
Why Dahab is easy for new divers
No boat means no seasickness, no rolling backward entries and no waiting for other groups. You can stand up in the bay at Lighthouse during the first skills, then swim out over the reef when you feel ready.
Because sites are 10–30 minutes away by car, the schedule follows you and the weather, not a boat timetable. That makes a big difference if you need a slower pace or an extra session for one skill.
From your first open water dive you see corals, lionfish, morays and often a turtle, which is a strong reason many people keep diving after their course.
What an Open Water course costs in Egypt in 2026
Egypt is one of the more affordable places to learn, but advertised prices are hard to compare because they include different things. Check whether the quote covers the digital learning materials, the certification fee, full gear rental, transport to the sites and any national park fee.
Ask for an exact price for your dates, with a written list of what it includes, and compare quotes like for like rather than by the headline number.
How many days it takes
Plan 3–4 days in Dahab. PADI says the course can take as little as 2–4 days plus 5–10 hours of eLearning, and SSI suggests 16–32 hours of training in total.
Do the theory at home on PADI eLearning or the MySSI app and you spend your holiday in the water. Day 1 is skills in shallow water, days 2 and 3 are the four open water dives (the first two to 12 m, the last two to 18 m), and a fourth day is a buffer for wind or a slower pace.
Remember the no-fly time: plan your last dive at least 18 hours before your flight home.
Flying after diving and other safety tips →
PADI or SSI?
Both are good choices. The courses follow the same international standard, ISO 24801-2, with the same 18 m limit and the same medical questionnaire, and dive centers worldwide accept both cards. PADI is the largest and best-known agency; SSI puts your learning materials, logbook and card in the MySSI app.
Mohamed teaches both, so you choose.
Who can learn, and the medical form
The minimum age is 10. Divers aged 10–11 are limited to 12 m, and under 15 you receive a Junior Open Water card that upgrades automatically. You need to be comfortable in the water: PADI asks for a 200 m swim (or 300 m with mask, fins and snorkel) with no time limit and a 10-minute float.
Before any in-water training you fill in the WRSTC diver medical questionnaire. A yes to any question means a doctor must sign the form first, so read it before you travel.
Is an Egyptian dive card valid worldwide?
Yes. There is no Egyptian licence: you earn the same PADI or SSI certification you would get anywhere, issued by the agency, and it is recognised by dive centers around the world. It does not expire, though a refresher is wise after six months or more without diving.
Your next step
Not sure diving is for you? Start with a single try dive, which can count towards the Open Water course. Ready to commit? Tell Mohamed your dates and the agency you prefer, and he will suggest a day-by-day plan around the wind and your pace.
Try scuba diving in Dahab first →
Questions
Where is the best place to learn to dive in Egypt?
Dahab is the easiest for beginners because almost every training dive is a calm shore entry. Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh are good too, but training there is usually from a boat.
How long does it take to get a diving licence in Egypt?
Usually 3–4 days for Open Water, less if you finish the eLearning before you arrive.
How much is a PADI Open Water course in Egypt?
It varies by resort, season and what is included, such as eLearning, certification and gear. Ask for an exact price for your dates and compare what each quote includes.
Is an Open Water certificate from Egypt valid in other countries?
Yes. It is a standard PADI or SSI card, recognised worldwide, and it does not expire.
Can I learn to dive in Egypt if I am not a strong swimmer?
Yes, if you are comfortable in the water. You swim 200 m with no time limit and float for 10 minutes.
What is the minimum age to learn to dive in Egypt?
10 years, with a 12 m limit for ages 10–11.
Is it better to learn to dive in Dahab or Hurghada?
Dahab for shore-based training and a relaxed town; Hurghada for a big resort with daily boat trips. Both have calm training reefs.